The Haute Closet by April Francis | Wardrobe Stylist

The Daisy Shop

Wisdom gleaned from our first trip to The Daisy Shop: wearing a full length fur in Chicago is totally gauche. It’s good to be in the know. Servicing the woman looking for some serious designer clothing, Barbara and her help sure know their merchandise and definitely go the distance when it comes to attentive service....

18 August 2010

Guilt Free at Gilt Groupe

Get the invite to their private sale! To be a member of Gilt Groupe means that you can score some wicked, wicked deals. We at The Haute Closet love this members only club – did I mention that one of our friends got a Marchesa black lace gown for $200. Yes. Sign Up (WARNING:...

18 August 2010

Silver Moon

Well, well, well: you’re in luck, ladies and gents. Silver Moon has one of the most well-edited vintage collections in the city. It’s clean, elegant, and chock full of some of the best designer labels going back to the beginning of the 20th century. Be sure to dip into Silver Moon if you’ve got...

18 August 2010

US #1

I live for, lust for, and believe in the cowboy boot. There’s nothing like a favorite pair you’ve worn here, there, and everywhere. Enter Dominic at US #1: People hunt this man down because of his boot collection. He is notoriously difficult to deal with – everyone thinks his prices are too high –...

18 August 2010

Dovetail

Chicago vintage boutiques usually don’t get much play in the New York Times, so either the owners have some nice friends or Dovetail really delivers.Showcasing the clothing of new designers alongside vintage pieces that tend toward the modern, Dovetail offers up duds for both men and women in addition to a selection of home goods...

18 August 2010

Clothes Optional

So. You’re on the hunt for something cheap and chic and trending towards the hipster je ne sais quoi: here’s some advice sift through the fab goods at Clothes Optional. This first floor space vibes on the orange/owl/seventies shag motif and is packed full of all kinds of stuff. We love this place for...

18 August 2010

hejfina

This was our favorite shop. Hejfina is now closed. Our favorite. But let’s get real for a second: This is not the shop for the casual browser unless you’ve got the cash and/or (better) the eye to make a serious purchase. What I love about Hejfina is that she carries a very well-edited selection...

17 August 2010

Greer

The Get: Everything For Your Desk There is a time and a place for email. But there is never a time when civility shouldn’t reign. Enter Chandra Greer – purveyor of extraordinary paper. Creator of the world famous Civilettes. Oprah darling. Step into this little shop on Wells and feel better about yourself. Buy...

15 August 2010

Elements

SEE: Everyone Pick up some accoutrement for yourself. A gift for a house warming. Or a perfect panini, salad and a cookie baked by Mindy of Hot Chocolate. Toby and Jeannine love the tasty stuff, whether it be something you eat, something you wear or something you look at every day on your desk. Enjoy...

15 August 2010

Salon Buzz

SEE: Andreas & Sherri We get stopped on the street all the time by people asking how we get our great hair (and no, we don’t have extensions!) We happily spread the word. Andreas Zafiriadis, owner of Salon Buzz, is the best guy to have in your beauty arsenal. He’s been cutting our hair...

15 August 2010

RSVP Gallery

SEE: It All In a rather dope space, RSVP Gallery is an independent shop preciously hipper than thou. If something’s happening in Chicago, you can be sure this crew knows about it. And if it’s really great, someone affiliated with RSVP probably started it. Bringing in and blowing out of limited edition everythings that...

15 August 2010

Isabella Fine Lingerie

The Get: Sexy Lingerie Our go-to spot for undergarments that don’t break the bank. We love La Perla and Agent Provocateur, but Isabella stocks all sorts of labels we love and feel great wearing, like Le Mystere, Cosabella and Eberjey. This tiny boutique is always fresh with new merch, so stopping in on the...

15 August 2010

The Golden Needle

SEE: Maria Need alterations? Need a piece fixed? Take it to Maria. She’s the best. You can feel comfortable getting all of your alterations done here (SO much better than at your dry cleaner, mais oui!) even your most precious pieces. Get buzzed in at the gate to this little Parisian-esque atelier on State and...

15 August 2010

June Blaker

Perfectly Chic in Chicago June Blaker is an essential resource, lovies. Stocking the world’s most perfect tapers, affordably rich jewelry and the most sophisticated objets d’artthis side of Chicago Ave, get thee to see Ms. Blaker in her totally approachable, beautifully sophisticated gallery. Filled with light, love, and lots of options – including custom fitted...

15 August 2010

Where’s Yvie?

Where’s Yvie? Hitting the Streets of Chicago With Stylist April Francis! Name: April Francis Occupation: Stylist/Writer Hometown: Detroit, Michigan DOB: April 18 Distinguishing Feature: My laugh. Likes: Cowboy boots, rock n’ roll, hemp granola, cars & driving, making out Dislikes: Cheap stuff, haters, local Chicago boutiques closing, fast food Favorite Film: Masculin Féminin Theme...

08 August 2010

A Really Haute Swap

Plan on being at Robin Richman, 2108 North Damen, June 24th from 5 – 7 for a reprise of last year’s well received ‘Swap and Shop.’ Come in with tagged, already priced items you no longer wear, a few precious pieces that don’t suit you anymore, and get ready to swap for something you’ll...

23 June 2010

Get Glam for a Cause

So Daphne Guinness, the patron saint of The Haute Closet, is being an angel again, having scooped up the entire estate of the late Isabella Blow, the inimitable fashion luminary, daring hat-wearer and discoverer of the dearly departed Alexander McQueen. You can read about the major fashion acquisition here. Major love and thanks to Daphne...

16 June 2010